“They were tired of running away from the law,” Supiter said in Filipino. “Broken promises by their leaders forced them to seek the right path,” he added.

Supiter said the rebels handed over seven assorted firearms and ammunition. He identified the leader of the group as Commander Dindo of Guerilla Front 73 operating in the hinterlands of Sen. Ninoy Aquino, Lebak and Kalamansig.

Under the government program for rebel returnees, the surrenderees, mostly from Manobo tribe, will get livelihood package.

Supiter said the former rebels also received assistance from Sultan Kudarat Gov. Pax Mangudadatu.